Remembering Abeti Masikini: The Queen of Soukous and Trailblazer in African Music
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born on November 9, 1954, in Stanleyville, Belgian Congo (now Kisangani, DRC), Elisabeth Finant, famously known as Abeti Masikini, emerged from an upper-middle-class family. Her father, Jean-Pierre Finant, was the first native Congolese governor of Orientale Province, and her mother, Marie Masikini, was a church choir leader. This musical influence from her mother nurtured Abeti’s early passion for singing, setting the stage for her remarkable career.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Abeti’s musical journey began in 1971 when she participated in the “Découverte des Jeunes Talents” contest in Kinshasa, catching the eye of Togolese producer Gérard Akueson. Her debut album, Pierre Cardin Présente: Abeti, released in 1973, propelled her into the spotlight. She became a global sensation, performing in prestigious venues like Olympia Hall in Paris and Carnegie Hall in New York, sharing stages with legends like James Brown and Miriam Makeba.
A Pioneer in Soukous Music
Abeti Masikini was a trailblazer, known as the “Queen of Soukous.” She modernized Congolese music by blending traditional rhythms with influences from blues, folk, and pop. Her band, Les Redoutables, became a launchpad for many successful female artists. Despite facing skepticism for her Swahili-accented voice, Abeti’s innovative style won her international acclaim.
The Iconic Albums and Performances
Throughout her 20-year career, Abeti Masikini recorded 21 studio albums. Her sophomore album, La Voix du Zaire, solidified her status as an African music icon. She made history as the first Central African female artist to perform at major venues like Royal Albert Hall and Apollo Theater. Her albums like Visages and Kupepe Suka showcased her versatility, incorporating disco and urban sounds while retaining Congolese roots.
Legacy and Influence
Abeti Masikini’s influence extended beyond music. Her style, including her iconic straight skirts with a slit known as the “Abeti skirt,” became a fashion statement in West Africa. Her music and persona inspired generations of African women to pursue their passions and challenge societal norms. The documentary Abeti Masikini: Le Combat d’Une Femme (2014) highlights her life and legacy, cementing her place as a pioneer in African music.
Final Years and Enduring Impact
Abeti’s later years were marked by a battle with uterine cancer, which ultimately claimed her life on September 28, 1994, in Villejuif, France. Her passing was a significant loss to the world of music. She was posthumously honored with the National Order of the Leopard and remains a symbol of strength and innovation in African music. Her legacy lives on through the artists she mentored and the timeless music she created.
